SEMA Show Attracts 140,000-plus Attendees to Las Vegas Convention Center
November 10, 2014
By Stephanie Selesnick
The SEMA Show, organized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, filled the Las Vegas Convention Center last week from Nov. 4-7.
It attracted more than 140,000 qualified trade attendees from 130 countries, used 1.13 million net square feet of exhibit space (indoors and outside), showcased 2,400+ exhibitors (550 new ones), was covered by over 3,500 international media and had 1.500 vehicles on display.
Some of the more popular areas were two outside demonstration tracks, SEMA Central, an interactive and branded area in the Central Lobby, featuring smart wall technology complete with 16-foot tall simulated engine, and the new product showcase featuring more than 2,000 products.
As a way of driving traffic to the New Products Area, the SEMA App contained photos of all the new products including company information.
Ranked one of the largest trade exhibitions in the country, last year SEMA chose to bring all operations and registration functions in house and worked hard with their partner-suppliers to make the show successful.
Show management went so far as to invite all to Camp SEMA to learn about the industry, exhibition and do some bonding with the new team.
With 80 percent of exhibitors in 20x20’s or less, management includes up to 500 lbs. of material handling per booth.
Early estimates had 8.4 million pounds of freight moved into the convention center. Exhibitors also were able to attend the SEMA Summit, a two-day exhibitor educational workshop held in Las Vegas earlier in the year, around the time of the space draw.
Changes this year included: moving all registration to the Westgate (formerly LVH), closing the Silver Circle Drive; expanding exhibits and the Discovery Channel studio to a large tent in the Gold Lot, and launching SEMA Ignited, a place for fans to see the custom vehicles up close post exhibition at the Linq and film a television show about it.
Since 2011, the show has closed with the sponsored SEMA Cruise – a parade of all 1,500 custom vehicles used as displays, which depart the Convention Center and drive down Paradise Road. Over half of the cars went to the Linq, the rest proceeded down Paradise Blvd. to the Westgate.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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